Anyone else feel this way? I work in consulting and Household incomes average around $206,588 in Menlo Park. Average temperature is around 59--F, so the weather is moderate. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Has anyone dealt with this? Appreciate any input. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
24 upvotes
15 Replies
Sophie C.
spot on
40 upvotes
Brielle Murphy
Moved here last year, no regrets.
38 upvotes
Mackenzie
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 6 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
36 upvotes
Naomi Roberts
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 5 years. Moved from Phoenix for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Lakewood schools are decent. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Nightlife is limited. Far from beaches/mountains. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
Ezekiel Reyes
100%
28 upvotes
Stella M.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. it's been a really good experience overall. Worth doing your research before committing.
26 upvotes
Nolan Ramos
spot on
24 upvotes
Daniel Thompson
We moved here with our family and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Schools in Lakewood area are tough. Kids love it here.
24 upvotes
Stella Davis
thanks for sharing
18 upvotes
fresno_henry
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 3 years. Moved from Baltimore for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is average - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Meadowbrook schools are solid. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Far from beaches/mountains. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
16 upvotes
Aurora Alvarez
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's not perfect but it works for me. Internet is underrated in most areas.
16 upvotes
Wesley Flores
lol so true
16 upvotes
Jonathan M.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 13 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
15 upvotes
Christian A.
honestly same experience here
11 upvotes
Lydia
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is food scene. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Worth doing your research before committing.
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